**Taos Trackers: Altitude Lies About Senior Steps?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 4, 2025

The crisp mountain air bites at your cheeks, even on a sunny day in Taos, New Mexico. You’re here to enjoy the stunning scenery, maybe do some skiing, and track your fitness with your new step tracker. But something feels off. The numbers seem low, almost suspiciously so. Is your device lying to you, or is something else at play in this high-altitude haven?

Step trackers are ubiquitous, but their accuracy isn’t always guaranteed, especially for seniors in unique environments. Taos, with its elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, presents a specific challenge. The thinner air can impact how these devices function, leading to inaccurate readings and potentially discouraging older adults from maintaining an active lifestyle.

The core issue lies in how most step trackers operate. They primarily rely on accelerometers, which detect movement. These accelerometers measure the intensity and frequency of motion to estimate steps taken. At higher altitudes, the reduced air resistance could theoretically affect the swing of an arm during walking, potentially leading to subtle changes in the accelerometer readings.

However, the primary culprit isn’t the air itself, but rather the user’s altered gait and effort due to the altitude. Seniors, in particular, may experience shortness of breath or fatigue more quickly at higher elevations. This can lead to shorter strides, slower walking speeds, and more frequent rest stops. The step tracker, designed for “normal” walking conditions, might not accurately capture these modified movements.

Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario: Mrs. Rodriguez, a 70-year-old Taos resident, uses a popular Fitbit to track her daily walks. Back in Chicago, at near sea level, she consistently logged 5,000 steps on her usual route. Now, on the same route in Taos, her Fitbit only registers 3,500 steps. She hasn’t changed her route or her effort level (or so she thinks), leading her to believe the device is faulty.

The problem isn’t necessarily the Fitbit itself, but rather the change in Mrs. Rodriguez’s body mechanics due to the altitude. She might be taking smaller steps without realizing it, or pausing more frequently to catch her breath. The Fitbit, calibrated for a different walking pattern, underestimates her actual activity.

So, what can be done to improve accuracy? First, understand that no step tracker is perfect. They all have limitations, and altitude exacerbates these.

Here are some actionable steps:

• Calibrate your device: Many trackers allow you to personalize stride length. Measure your stride on a flat, familiar surface (like an indoor track) and manually input this data into the device’s settings. This can improve accuracy, especially if you notice a consistent underestimation of steps.
• Consider a GPS-enabled tracker: Devices with GPS, like some Garmin models, can track distance more accurately, regardless of stride length. While they still rely on accelerometers for step counting, the GPS data provides a valuable secondary measure of activity.
• Monitor heart rate: Pay attention to your heart rate during activity. If your heart rate is elevated, even if the step count is low, you’re still getting a workout. Use heart rate as a proxy for effort, rather than solely relying on step count.
• Use a chest strap heart rate monitor: Wrist-based heart rate monitors can be inaccurate, especially during vigorous activity. A chest strap provides a more reliable reading, giving you a better indication of your exertion level.
• Experiment with different placement: Some users find that wearing the tracker on their ankle, rather than their wrist, improves accuracy, especially when using walking poles or other assistive devices.
• Compare readings with a known distance: Walk a measured mile and compare the distance recorded by your tracker with the actual distance. This will give you a sense of how accurate (or inaccurate) the device is.
• Consult with a healthcare professional: Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about appropriate activity levels for your age and health condition, especially at high altitude. They can provide personalized recommendations and help you interpret the data from your step tracker.
• Don’t solely rely on step count: Focus on overall activity levels, including duration and intensity. A 30-minute walk at a moderate pace is beneficial, regardless of the exact step count.
• Consider alternative activity trackers: For some seniors, traditional step trackers might not be the best option. Consider using a pedometer that clips onto clothing, or a simple activity log where you manually record your daily activities.
• Adjust expectations: Accept that step trackers are estimates, not precise measurements. Use them as a tool to motivate you to be more active, but don’t get discouraged by inaccurate readings.

A common pitfall is assuming that all step trackers are created equal. They aren’t. Different brands and models use different algorithms and sensors, leading to varying levels of accuracy. Before purchasing a device, read reviews and compare features to find one that is well-suited for your needs.

Another mistake is failing to account for individual differences. Factors like age, gait, and fitness level can all affect the accuracy of step trackers. What works for one person might not work for another.

For seniors in Taos, or similar high-altitude towns like Aspen, Colorado, or Flagstaff, Arizona, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential limitations of step trackers. By understanding how altitude can affect readings and taking steps to improve accuracy, older adults can continue to use these devices to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Remember, the goal is to stay active and engaged, not to obsess over a number on a screen.